Originally known as the Renaissance Four, Clelia II began her career as one of the original set of boutique ships for Renaissance Cruises. She was built in 1991 and refitted in 1998. The 4,077-ton ship now takes 84 passengers on trips often chartered by high-end U.S. operators.
Renaissance Cruises built eight small ships for worldwide cruising, and Clelia II represents the last of the first set of four that were slightly smaller that the next set. When Renaissance went bankrupt, the ships scattered to the wind. This one was bought by a Greek, Hani-Ioannou, who uses it as a private yacht when not chartering it out.
When chartered, Clelia II carries mostly North American passengers on destination-oriented cruises in Europe and especially the Mediterranean. Tipping guidelines depend on the charterer.
Her most popular cruises feature small Mediterranean ports, but she may be found in northern Europe and also in the Americas.
Public rooms include a relatively large main lounge with a low ceiling, a charming piano bar above, tiny library and a port-holed dining room on the lowest deck. Breakfast and buffet lunches take place aft around the pool. Deck space is good and there are narrow wraparound promenades for constitutionals.
Cabins are large for a small ship, one-room suites with bedroom and large adjoining sitting area. Four VIP suites are double in size with separate bedroom and lounge.
For any destination-oriented cruise, Clelia II makes an ideal cruising yacht for like-minded souls, individually booked or as part of an affinity group. In rough seas, she is small and does not handle that well, but most itineraries will see very little choppy weather.
